Waka Waka!

I'm working on a playlist for the Resolution 5k that I'm running this Saturday, and I came across the music video for one of my favorite songs from 2010 -- Shakira's "Waka Waka" (theme song from the World Cup).  If you like soccer, you'll probably also enjoy this video.  This time for Africa :)

Quantum Leap

I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions, only because I have a tendency to be over zealous and set lofty goals that never really seem to pan out.  But, along with so many others, I'm hoping to continue to work on being healthy and getting into shape in 2011.  As to not get caught up in the numbers game, I'm planning to use a Quantum Scale to help me stay motivated.

I usually hate scales, and avoid them at all costs.  But after reading about this one in Women's Health, I'm giving it a shot.  What's nice is that this scale doesn't actually show your weight, rather you weigh in once at the beginning, and then after that, you get an update your total weight lost/gained, as a way to keeping your mind focused on the smaller goals, versus getting caught up in that scary three-digit number that pops up whenever you hop on.  I did a ton of research before deciding on this option, and it's definitely not for everyone (for instance, it only tracks one person's progress, so it wouldn't be helpful for a couple or family). 

I'm hoping it will work for me.  I'm going to set small goals every month, and see how it goes.  Between running and (trying) to eat healthier, I'm hoping I'll strike a good balance.

Here's to 2011 :-)

Resolution-ing

A couple months back, I wrote about starting the Couch to 5K program.  I've completed about six of the nine weeks of the program (skipped a few weeks for various reasons), and so far so good.  I'm now running close to 5 minute intervals without any major pain in the shins or hip.  Success!

Speaking of running, I'm officially registered for the 2011 Resolution Run 5K in Charm City (Baltimore) on New Year's Day!

I'm really excited for this race, and I figure it's a good way to kick off the New Year.  I've even roped in a friend (who's never raced before) to run it with me -- should be fun!  So far, the weather gods are smiling down on us, with temperatures expected in the low 50's on Saturday.  Let's hope it stays that way.  I'm not a happy runner when I'm cold. 

Hope it goes well!  I still can't believe 2011 is right around the corner...

Life's a Beach

I'm back -- bright eyed and bushy tailed!  Vacation was wonderful.  It was a very low-key week, which was relaxing and just what I needed.  We stayed at a resort on the far end of Grand Cayman, and while the weather wasn't perfect, we did get a few sunny days and I managed to get a little bit of a tan.  Hooray!   Here are a few pictures from the trip.

The view from our porch.  Life is good!

Sunrise on the beach.  So peaceful.

Baby palm. Adorable!

View down the beach, to the resort next door.

And our place, Grand Morritt's.

Best seat in the house!  This is my desktop wallpaper right now.  A welcome break from reality :)

Food all day, indeed.  I ate and ate.  

The parental unit, humoring while I make them do posed shots....

I was kicking myself for not bringing a zoom lens (I was using a 50mm 1.8) -- these wind surfers were  awesome and could 20 ft. jumps.  Impressive!

Mid-week, we ventured into Georgetown for some shopping.  The mother and I both scored sweet deals on watches.  I opted for a classic stainless steel (with some bling, of course):

  Michele Deco 16

Merry Christmas to me!  

Speaking of Christmas, I hope everyone had a great holiday!  After mass on Christmas Eve, we woke up for a big breakfast and opened up our gifts in front of our make shift tree (a plant with one string of lights.  I wish I were joking!).  Next year we'll be more festive, I promise :-)

Beach Reads

I'm off to Grand Cayman tomorrow, and can barely focus on anything today because I'm SO EXCITED!  Since I anticipate lots of down time over the next week (I'm definitely in need of some R&R), I've loaded up the Kindle with what are I hope are some good beach reads:

Definitely a mixed bag, but that's how I roll.  I'll take lots of pictures while away, and do my best to bring back some sunshine and warmth.  See you on the flip side!

Baby Steps

Something very important happened this weekend.  I fell in love.  With this angel:

As I mentioned last week, I spent the weekend in North Carolina visiting Jill and her family, including their newest addition, baby Emma.  Even though she's only six weeks old, this little bundle of joy captured my heart.  I'm one proud Godmother :-)

Emma just recently started smiling, and she makes the cutest faces:

Sleepy Emma (and Jill).  Yaaawn!

Love this one!  Adorable.

Sweet, sweet, sweet....



All smiles!

Can't wait to watch her grow.  So much love!

I Wanna Be A Billionaire!

My parent's pretty much stopped the traditional Christmas gift routine when my brother and I were in college.  Don't get me wrong, we always get something fun, but it's usually in the form of being invited on a trip, etc.  And we still get some stocking stuffers too, so we're not total scrooges.  It's also in part because we I usually buy whatever my heart desires. 

Lately I've worked on taming that habit, so while I still buy myself the less expensive stuff, I haven't made any larger purchases.  But I still think about them!  I should spend money for a living.... because I'm so damn good at it.  If I were a billionaire (or I'd settle for millionaire), here's what my Christmas list would look like:

A MacBook Pro

I love the MacBook Pro (I've actually never used a Mac, but I think I'll love it).  Since my current laptop is 4+ years old and on its last leg, I'll probably have to bite the bullet and make this purchase sometime in 2011.  I just wish it could be sooner and not deplete my bank account!  This is where being a billionaire (or dating one?) would come in handy.

A Canon 5D Mark II

I already bought a Canon T1i earlier this year, but I'm itching for something bigger and better already.  What can I say... champagne taste, beer budget.  Not that I don't love my current camera, but I know I'll being ready for an upgrade over the next couple of years, and the 5DMII would rock my world.  She's a beauty!  Maybe in 2012.  Or whenever I win the lottery. 

A Prime Lens (or Two)

Prime lenses have taken the place of designer shoes in my heart (well, maybe they just share the spot).  I'm all about the 50mm line right now.  I have the 50mm 1.8 and thinking practically, I have my eye on the 50mm 1.4 next.  I'd love to make the jump and get the 50mm 1.2 eventually. 

I always pick the most expensive hobbies.  I wish I liked to knit! :)

A Pair of Designer Boots

I lied about not lusting after designer shoes anymore.  I really heart these Simple Botta Tall Boots by Louboutin.  This would be a tricky purchase though, since I'd also need calf-reduction surgery to wear these bad boys.  Minor detail.  But In my dreams, I rock these boots on the regular.  Oui!

Yay, this is a fun game!  I could go on, but those are the few items I'd really want if the sky were the limit.  Not that I'm complaining about this year's gift, and my view for a week:

I'm leaving in 10 days... so excited!  Speaking of leaving, I'm off to North Carolina for the weekend to visit the Bartelt's, and their newest addition to the family, 6 week old Emma!  GAH - can't wait!